The Best-Kept Secret: Over 30 Years of Legendary Chicken Pho in a Hidden Alley

Have you heard of the unique dipping chicken pho served at Pho Mai - Nha Chung, a renowned restaurant in Hanoi for over 35 years? Let's delve into this iconic dish and uncover what makes it so special!

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Located on a quaint street in Hanoi, Pho Mai – Nha Chung has captivated food enthusiasts with its unique take on chicken pho. Operating for over 35 years, this eatery has consistently maintained its quality and popularity among diners. Join us as we delve into the intriguing world of Pho Mai – Nha Chung in this article!

1Introducing Pho Mai – Nha Chung, Hanoi

Pho Mai – Nha Chung, Hanoi

Restaurant Quality: 4.6/5 (Google Rating)

Address: 40 P. Nha Chung, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 

Opening Hours: 07:00 – 14:00, Closed on Sundays (Usually busy from 10:30 to 13:30)

Price Range:
30,000 – 50,000 VND

Phone Number: 0787595864 

Facebook: Pho Mai – Nha Chung 

Delivery: Available (Foody, Shopee Food)

Menu: , , , ,…

Signature Dish:
Chicken Pho with Dipping Sauce (Around 40,000 VND)

Pros: Delicious noodles, crispy chicken, flavorful broth, clean and spacious dining area

Con: Slightly long wait times for food

Pho Mai – Nha Chung has been a beloved establishment for over 35 years, with Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai at the helm. The star attraction and the dish that sets this pho restaurant apart is their “chicken pho with dipping sauce.” Unlike traditional pho, Ms. Mai has created a unique presentation by cutting the noodles into rectangular strips, approximately 3-4 cm in length. These noodles are then expertly cooked and beautifully presented on a plate. The broth, or more accurately, the dipping sauce and dry broth, is seasoned to perfection with a tangy-sweet flavor profile that delights the senses.

The origin of this unique pho style stems from a day when Ms. Mai was unwell and wanted to avoid the hassle of preparing traditional pho. She experimented with tearing the noodles and wrapping them with chicken before dipping them in a special sauce. This innovative combination of flavors and textures inspired her to refine the recipe and include it on her menu.

The concept of “dipping pho” sparked curiosity among many, drawing them to the restaurant to experience this novel take on a classic dish. As a result, Pho Mai – Nha Chung is always bustling with customers, especially with the recent influx of tourists and foreign visitors.

Unique Chicken Pho with Dipping Sauce

2What Sets Pho Mai – Nha Chung Apart?

Dipping Noodles Instead of Broth

Departing from the conventional way of eating pho, this dipping pho separates the noodles, allowing diners to wrap them with chicken and vegetables before dipping into the unique sauce. The noodles are specially ordered by Ms. Mai, ensuring they possess the right balance of softness and chewiness.

A Unique Way of Enjoying Pho: Dipping Instead of Broth

Delicious Dipping Sauce and Sweet Broth

The dipping sauce is crafted according to Ms. Mai’s secret recipe, boasting a tantalizing sweet and sour flavor that surprises the palate. The broth, made from dried bamboo shoots and chicken broth, is rich and savory from the chicken’s natural fats, complemented by the crispy and crunchy texture of the bamboo shoots.

Delicious Dipping Sauce and Sweet Broth

Fresh and Tender Chicken

The chicken used in the pho is carefully selected to ensure the highest quality for diners. It boasts a fresh, golden skin with a glistening layer of fat. Notably, the meat is never mushy but instead retains a firm and chewy texture, enhanced by the slight bitterness of lime leaves, resulting in a truly memorable dining experience.

Fresh and Tender Chicken

Pho Mai – Nha Chung has cemented its reputation as a go-to destination for chicken pho enthusiasts. Be sure to pay them a visit and indulge in their signature chicken pho with dipping sauce, along with other delectable dishes on their menu. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget!

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Frequently asked questions

The restaurant is located in an alley off Le Thi Rieng Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The restaurant has been operating for over 30 years, with the current owner, Ms. Ha, running it for the past 20 years.

The restaurant is known for its traditional and authentic chicken pho recipe, which has been passed down through generations. The broth is slow-cooked for hours, resulting in a rich and flavorful soup. The restaurant also uses fresh ingredients and homemade spices, creating a unique and delicious taste.

Yes, the restaurant also offers other traditional Vietnamese dishes such as spring rolls (cha gio), pork skewers (nem nuong), and Vietnamese pancakes (banh xeo). They also have a variety of side dishes and beverages to complement the main courses.

The restaurant is open daily, from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It is best to arrive early or avoid peak hours as the restaurant can get quite busy, especially on weekends.